Public Areas & Facilities

Yacht-like gems, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are all about style, understatement, and personal choice. No one will lift an eyebrow if you eschew the activities offered and simply concentrate on a good book from the library. While there simply isn't room on these ships for huge rooms, the public spaces are more than adequate and designed to function well. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind served as the models for the larger twins, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, which came later and expanded on the smaller ships' concept of locating all passenger accommodations forward and public rooms aft.

The Restaurant is one of the loveliest dining rooms at sea, with a domed ceiling and musicians to provide dance music between courses. Either The Bar or Panorama Lounge are comfortable spots to socialize, dance, or enjoy cocktails before or after the evening entertainment, which might include a classical concert or smallish production show in the showroom.

Restaurants

You may dine when, where, and with whom you desire in the main dining room, called simply The Restaurant, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Saletta, the alternative restaurant, specializes in pairing select vintages with a unique menu degustation; reservations are required, and there is a charge. La Terrazza is the indoor-outdoor buffet restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch in casual surroundings. On most evenings it serves as an alternative restaurant; reservations are required, and there is no charge. The Pool Grill offers casual fare poolside. Room service is available 24 hours a day, and items from The Restaurant menu can be served course-by-course in suites during scheduled dining hours.

What Works & What Doesn't

Silversea is one of the most all-inclusive cruise lines, and these ships are clubby and have a relaxed feel. The ambiance onboard is comfortably upscale, heightened by never having to sign a bar ticket. Wine is poured freely at lunch and dinner, and no one has to cringe when ordering a round of drinks for new friends, which tends to add to the sociability and camaraderie between passengers. While the minimalist modern décor is accented by beautiful flower arrangements throughout the ship, the artwork is somewhat uninspired. However, whatever might be lacking in terms of decorative art is more than made up for by the lectures, wine tastings, instructive cooking demonstrations, and dance and language classes. Afternoon trivia contests during tea are particularly spirited.

Accommodations

Layout: All accommodations are considered suites; all are outside and have at least an ocean view; an outstanding 80% also have private balconies. Suite interiors are enhanced with appealing artwork, flowers, sitting areas, and bedding topped with plush duvets and choice of pillow style. A writing desk, refrigerator, TV with DVD player, dressing table with lighted mirror and hair dryer, walk-in closet, and personal safe are all standard. The marbled bathrooms have full-sized bathtubs.

Amenities: Champagne on ice awaits the arrival of all passengers, and it is replenished as desired; the beverage cabinet is stocked daily on request with individual selections of wines, spirits, and beverages. A fruit basket is replenished daily. Bathrooms are stocked with European toiletries, and slippers and bathrobes are provided for use during the cruise.

Top Tier Suites: Passengers in Silver Suites and above not only have more space, but their suites have full-size dining tables, and they are welcomed with a box of chocolates. Canapés are delivered every afternoon, and suite guests are entitled to complimentary laundry service. Additionally, Owner's Suites and above feature espresso makers and butler service. They can also be configured with one or two bedrooms, each with private bath -- the main one has a full-size Jacuzzi plus a separate shower. Owner's Suites also have a guest powder room.

Good to Know: Teak-floored balconies have patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Two suites are wheelchair-accessible.

	Size (square feet)
Grand and Rossellini Suite	1,314
Royal Suite	1,031
Owner's Suite	827
Silver Suite	541
Veranda Suite/Vista Suite	295/240
**Cabin sizes include the square footage of any balcony.

Favorites

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Le Champagne, the wine and cigar room on Deck Eight, is a cozy retreat with sumptuous leather chairs.

Best Place to Get Away: Practice yoga, train with the latest Pilates program, or work out utilizing state-of-the-art fitness equipment while drawing inspiration from the breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from the Fitness Center.

Best Way to Expand Your Mind: Every cruise features regionally specific lectures by noted historians, ambassadors, state leaders, authors and geographers -- all experts and each sharing special insights into areas of the world they know intimately. Guest chefs and wine experts also join special Culinary Arts and Wine Series Voyages.

Best Added Value: Silversea is so all-inclusive that you seldom need to reach for your charge card, but what we appreciate most is feeling like a valued guest in a gracious vacation retreat. We consider that priceless.